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Published: June 10, 2021
ColumbiaGrid OASIS Portal Goes Live
Press Release For Immediate Release
Contact: Jon Kaake (503) 943-4931 or Patrick Damiano (503) 943-4933
June 10, 2021
PORTLAND, Ore. – ColumbiaGrid has launched a new website that gives customers a virtual storefront to shop for transmission services. The ColumbiaGrid Open Access Same-Time Information System (OASIS) Portal allows customers to see available transmission paths at a glance and to submit multiple service requests at once. The site went live June 1.
"The Portal’s functions save transmission customers time and ease the process for matching up their need to move power with routes available to move it," according to Patrick Damiano, ColumbiaGrid Vice President. "It consolidates information across three ColumbiaGrid member systems, which adds greater speed and efficiency for buyers and sellers to conduct transmission business," he said.
Until now, transmission customers seeking a route across the Avista, Bonneville Power Administration and Puget Sound Energy systems had to access each provider’s OASIS site and submit separate requests for service. A customer can now make multiple service requests at once through the ColumbiaGrid OASIS Portal for transmission across the participating systems.
With the deal maker function, the Portal automatically aligns the service request with the transmission options, OASIS project manager Dan Dettmer explained. A customer enters information about where the power is coming from, where it is going, and the dates and capacity needed. Within seconds, the site responds with answers about routes, capacity and pricing. It can access nearly 300 service points within the participating systems, he said.
"We are anxious to have transmission customers use the Portal and see what it can do for them," Damiano said. "We think they’ll find it’s a valuable new tool," he stated. "The Portal can accommodate other transmission providers, and we’re encouraging them to contact ColumbiaGrid if they would like to participate," Damiano added.
In addition to the functions described above, the Portal offers a "bulletin board" feature for ColumbiaGrid members who do not operate their own OASIS (Chelan PUD, Grant PUD, Seattle City Light, Snohomish PUD and Tacoma Power). These members can post for sale any available transmission capacity they have on their systems.
"ColumbiaGrid has taken another step forward to promote efficiency on the transmission grid," according to Jon Kaake, ColumbiaGrid’s President and CEO. "All of our members supported development of the OASIS Portal to improve service to customers. We expect it will produce benefits for them, their transmission customers and for the region as a whole," he stated.
There is no charge to customers to use the new ColumbiaGrid OASIS Portal. Access is via www.oatioasis.com/COGR or through http://www.oatioasis.com/cwo_default.htm . A standard security certificate is required to enter the deal maker and other interactive functions.
Since ColumbiaGrid is not a transmission provider, Avista, BPA and Puget Sound Energy will be responsible for confirming and completing transactions initiated through the new Portal. Customers may also continue to access the OASIS sites of Avista, BPA and Puget Sound Energy directly.
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